What clinical and non-clinical data should be gathered during a dental diagnostic visit for a complex case?
On the clinical side, the doctor and team collect every piece of information that might be needed for treatment option development. The list includes diagnostic-quality photography from multiple angles, complete intraoral and extraoral charting, full-mouth radiographic series, cone-beam imaging where indicated, panoramic films, periapical films of specific concerns, occlusal analysis, models or digital scans of both arches, TMJ assessment if relevant to the case, genomic or DNA testing for periodontal susceptibility when appropriate, medical history with current medications and conditions, and any other workup specific to the procedures under consideration. On the non-clinical side, the doctor and team continuously surface information that will shape the eventual case presentation and the fee calculation: pain motivators that have driven the inquiry, patient expectations about outcomes and timelines, family decision-making structure including any veto-holder, financial readiness signals, behavioral patterns that may extend treatment time, and any other observations that affect the case. Both halves of the data collection matter. Clinical alone produces good diagnosis and bad case acceptance. Both halves together produce both good diagnosis and converted cases.
If the answers you are finding here resonate with you, my team and I work with a small group of clients each year. The next step is a complimentary Discovery Consultation and Practice Review with Dr. McAnally.
